Tom Aspinall praises Jon Jones and ‘super smart’ champion as he ranks UFC fighters

Tom Aspinall has given his respect to Jon Jones, despite their intense rivalry.

The UFC interim heavyweight champion is doing everything in his power to secure a match-up with one of the greatest to ever do it.

Alas, the American hasn’t shown much enthusiasm for a showdown, with Aspinall left to train with the world’s strongest man, while he waits for his nemesis to hopefully sign the contract, so he can properly start his training camp.

Regardless of his personal feelings towards the gifted mixed martial artist, the Brit still holds his fighting skills in very high regard.

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Tom Aspinall gives Jon Jones and Dricus Du Plessis a 9.5/10

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Tom Aspinall rated several UFC fighters on a scale of one to ten.

And while nobody received full marks, Jon Jones and Dricus Du Plessis came the closest, with each man missing out by just 0.5.

Discussing the middleweight King, the Englishman exclaimed: “9.5, because he makes that unorthodox style work for him, and none of his opponents have any idea how to deal with it. Super smart fighter.”

When asked about Jones, the dynamite puncher stated: “9.5. Nobody can be the perfect fighter, but he’s definitely close to it.”

Tom Aspinall’s full ratings:

Jon Jones advised to avoid ‘young and hungry’ Tom Aspinall

While Aspinall would love nothing more than to get his hands on Jones, not everybody is so convinced the fight should go ahead.

The match-up would pit one of the most talented fighters to have ever graced the octagon, against a wrecking machine, capable of taking anybody out with just a single shot.

However, at least for now, the potential clash, isn’t one that’s guaranteed to go ahead.

Now, a former UFC star has explained why Jones should not fight Aspinall.